The Corruption and Fall of Saruman

The Lord of the Rings

Saruman's descent from the head of the White Council to a traitor serves the Dark Lord.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Pride of SarumanThe Pride of Saruman
The Pride of Saruman The Study of the Enemy's Arts Saruman, in his quest for knowledge, delves into the lore of the Rings. He becomes proud and believes he can use the One Ring for himself. The Use of the Palantír Saruman secretly uses the Orthanc-stone, which connects him to Sauron. He is gradually enslaved by the Dark Lord's will. The Betrayal of the Council Saruman betrays the White Council, opposing their plans and working against Gandalf. He becomes a pawn of Sauron.
The War Against RohanThe War Against Rohan
The War Against Rohan The Alliance with Orcs Saruman breeds Uruk-hai and allies with Orcs to attack Rohan. He hopes to capture the Ring and gain power. The Battle of Helm's Deep Saruman's army attacks Helm's Deep but is defeated by the Rohirrim and the Ents. His forces are destroyed. The Destruction of Isengard The Ents flood Isengard, trapping Saruman in Orthanc. He is parleyed but rejects mercy.
The End of SarumanThe End of Saruman
The End of Saruman The Scouring of the Shire Saruman, reduced to a beggar, takes control of the Shire through Lotho. He is confronted by the hobbits upon their return. The Murder by Wormtongue Saruman taunts Wormtongue, who stabs him in a fit of rage. Saruman dies, and his spirit dissipates. The Final Fate Saruman's body decays, and he is left to rot. His story ends in ignominy, a warning against pride and treachery.
Before the War of the Ring
T.A. 3018–3019
November 3, T.A. 3019